MISSOURI

The second state on Route 66 is “The Show-Me State”. It’s not exactly known where or how this nickname came from, but its real name derives from the Missouri River, which was named after the indigenous Missouri Indians. Missouri was also the starting point of the famous Pony Express which was a horseback mail service delivering messages and mail from St. Joseph, Missouri across the Great Plains, over the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, all the way to Sacramento in California. Hundreds of conservation and natural areas, 52 state parks, the Ozark Mountains, scenic river-ways and America’s longest rail-to-trail hiking/biking trail. All these make this state another big playground for the outdoor enthusiasts.

Roadside Attractions

Gary Turner’s Gay Sinclair Station

Gary Turner’s Gay Sinclair Station :Location – Paris Springs. It is a must stop, follow old Route 66, just west of Springfield. Garry will teleport you into the past.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis:Location – St. Luis. Construction on the shores of Mississippi which symbolizes the gateway to the mythical American Midwest.

Elephant Rocks State Park:Distance – 60 miles, 1 h 20 min from Sullivan, MO.The appeal of Elephant Rocks State Park, is a train of gigantic pink granite boulders which are set atop a hill, and look just like circus elephants. Attractions – Climbing, Hiking, Picnicking.

Johnson Shut-ins State Park: Distance – 75 miles, min from Cuba, MO. Park is set on igneous rock of volcanic ashes and gasses, and is located in the East Fork of Black River. The valley of the park includes an orientation centre, retail stores, picnic areas and shelters. Attractions – Fishing, Black River Swimming , Hiking, Mountain Biking.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Distance – 45 miles, 1 h from Weynesville, MO. Great architecture and stunning scenery make Ha Ha Tonka one of Missouri’s most treasured spots. Located on the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, the park features the ruins of a castle built by a Kansas City businessman. Attractions– Boating, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Biking.

Mark Twain National Forrest: Distance – 52 miles, 1 h from Weynesville, MO. It represents 11% of all forested land in Missouri and spans 29 counties. Unique features of the forest include – Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway, Ozark Trail System Winds and Greer Spring. Attractions – Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Picnicking.

The Ozark Lake, Trail:Distance – 40 miles, 45 min from Lebanon.The Ozark Lake is a large artificial lake created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri.The lake is also called “The Magic Dragon” for its serpentine shape. Attractions – Boating, Kayaking, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Swimming, Horse-Riding.